NEWARK, NJ — In the case against Ali Muhammad Brown, who was charged with the murder of 19-year-old Brendan Tevlin of Livingston, acting Essex County prosecutor, Robert Laurino announced on Tuesday that Brown pled guilty before Hon. Ronald Wigler, judge of the Superior Court.

Brown fatally shot Tevlin at a stop light in West Orange on June 2014 after the Seton Hall Prep alumnus was hanging out at a friends house and was on his way home to Livingston. Brown, 34, of Seattle, initially told investigators that this was an act of vengeance for innocent lives lost in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria.

“One thing the public can be assured of: this serial killer will never be allowed to walk the streets again,” said Laurino. “This has been an extraordinarily difficult time for the Tevlin family, and our thoughts are with them. We hope that this plea provides them with some degree of closure.”

Yesterday, jury selection was underway when Brown indicated that he was willing to plead guilty to the following charges: first-degree murder, first-degree terrorism, first-degree felony murder, first-degree carjacking, first-degree robbery, unlawful possession of a handgun and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.

Laurino held a press conference in Newark on Tuesday afternoon, where it was announced that this is the first time the New Jersey terrorism statute has been used in connection with a homicide. Brown will face a mandatory life sentence under the terrorism statue alone, according to Laurino.

"We did not negotiate with the defendant," he said. "From the beginning, our position has been that he had to plead to all the charges or we would go to trial and let the jury decide. "Today the defendant, in open court, admitted to the heinous acts he committed the night he took Brendan Tevlin's life. Because of his admission, we expect that when he is sentenced on May 1, it will mean that he will never be a free man again."

West Orange Mayor Robert Parisi, who, along with his wife Sheila, are friends of the Tevlin family, said that although there is "nothing good to this situation," he is glad the trial is over and that Brown will never be a threat to society again.

"I hope this small step provides the Tevlins some solace," said Parisi. "Despite this evil, it has done nothing to diminish the memory and legacy of Brendan's life and all he meant to everyone that knew him."

West Orange Police Chief James Abbott also extended condolences to the Tevlin family, stating that Brendan is "irreplaceable" and will be sorely missed.

Essex County Sheriff Armando Fontoura added that this guilty plea brings closure to "one of the darkest chapters in Essex County crime history."

Brown has already been serving a 35-year sentence in New Jersey state prison for armed robbery. He was also previously convicted by federal authorities of bank fraud and in Washington state, convicted of sexual contact and aggravated assault.

In addition, Brown has an open case in Ocean County and three homicides in Washington State. These currently remain accusations and Brown is considered innocent of those charges until he is convicted in a court of law or enters a guilty plea.

"[Brown] randomly targeted and executed an innocent defenseless teenager, and admitted in open court to doing the same to three other young men in Washington," said assistant prosecutor/director James Semper. "He grievously harmed families and terrorized entire communities across the country. This defendant is no martyr, he's just an admitted terrorist who will now spend the rest of his life in prison. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the Tevlin family, and all those affected."

On behalf of the Tevlin family, Laurino read the following statement on behalf of the Tevlin family:

“On this difficult day, the Tevlin and McNulty families are grateful for the continuing expressions of love and support we receive on a daily basis from our families, friends and countless others in the community. At this time, we appreciate your understanding of our need for privacy as we remember Brendan and prepare to speak on his behalf at the sentencing.”

The families also expressed their gratitude to the members of all the law enforcement agencies who “worked so tirelessly on Brendan’s behalf.”

TRENTON, NJ — A bill that would appropriate $20 million to boost horse racing in New Jersey has been voted out of committee in the state Senate.

Sponsored by Sen. Vin Gopal of District 11 in Monmouth County, home to Monmouth Park and Freehold Raceway, and Sen. Paul A. Sarlo, District 36, which includes, Bergen County, home of the Meadowlands, sponsored the bill, S2992.

The bill was referred ...

TRENTON, NJ — A bill that would appropriate $20 million to boost horse racing in New Jersey has ...

MADISON, NJ - On December 12, 1968, a gangly teenager stepped up onto a raised, padded training platform to experience his first formal karate class at the pioneering, the Bank Street School, a karate dojo in Summit, NJ. “It was love at first kick” cites Madison Area YMCA master karate teacher, or Shifu Hayashi as many of his students have come to know him. “Karate was unfamiliar to the general ...

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – Despite battling a brain tumor, Larry Lederman was on the microphone at the Meadowlands on Dec. 6 as the track kicked off its “Borrow Ken’s Binoculars” Thursdays as guest announcer.

It was a great night for Lederman – and for the fans who love his style – given the fact that he has been battling a brain tumor for some time now. He had surgery several months ago to ...

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – Despite battling a brain tumor, Larry Lederman was on the microphone at the ...

CHATHAM, NJ - The Borough of Chatham Council voted, 5-1, in favor of a resolution that opposes the state's pending vote to legalize the recreational use of marijuana at its final meeting of 2018 on Monday night.

The resolution calls for a certified copy of the resolution be sent to Gov. Phil Murphy and state legislators, including those who represent Chatham Borough and Morris ...

CHATHAM, NJ - The Borough of Chatham Council voted, 5-1, in favor of a resolution that opposes the ...

MADISON, NJ - The Madison High School Art students once again partnered with Madison Area Chamber of Commerce businesses to help brighten the downtown businesses district with their holiday artwork. Students painted store front windows and doors and helped to make Madison more festive this holiday season. All artwork was complete by the Annual Christmas walk on November 23.

The Drew Art ...

MADISON, NJ - The Madison High School Art students once again partnered with Madison Area Chamber ...

LUCY'S GIFT is a retail boutique offering the latest styles in handbags, accessories, jewelry, and home décor items to support the efforts of the Maurice J. Spagnoletti Foundation to help children in need, crime victims, and those who serve and protect. All net profits to charity everyday... Give the gift that gives back!

HOLIDAY SPECIAL (in-store while supplies last) With purchases $50 or ...

LUCY'S GIFT is a retail boutique offering the latest styles in handbags, accessories, jewelry, and ...

MADISON, NJ - A cold but festive group of revelers came to light the Menorah in front of the Madison Train Station last Wednesday evening, the fourth night of Chanukah. In celebration of the miracle of Chanukah, Jews light the Menorah each evening of the eight-day festival, increasing the number of lights each night. The lights, when lit, must burn for at least ½ hour after nightfall. After the ...

MADISON, NJ - A cold but festive group of revelers came to light the Menorah in front of the ...

RARITAN TWP., N.J. — Little Annie is a miniature horse who helps children suffering from trauma. She also stars in Little Horse Big Medicine, which won a Winnie Award at the 2018 Equus Film Festival held in Brooklyn, N.Y. from Nov. 30 to Dec. 2. The story is told from Annie’s point of view as she is the film’s narrator.

Filmmakers came to the festival from near and far including those from ...

RARITAN TWP., N.J. — Little Annie is a miniature horse who helps children suffering from trauma.